The pressure of a liquid column increases with depth and with the density of the liquid.
Symbols
p
hydrostatic pressure
[Pa]
ρ
density of the liquid
[kg/m³]
g
gravitational acceleration
[m/s²]
h
depth
[m]
Where it comes from
Pressure in a liquid increases with depth, because the column of liquid above a given point is heavier. It does not depend on the shape of the container — only on depth and density.
When to use it
Pressure at the bottom and at depth; dams, diving.
Example
Calculate the hydrostatic pressure at a depth of 10 m in water (ρ=1000, g=10).